1
00:00:00,600 --> 00:00:06,640
Legal consequences and 
protections Void contracts No 

2
00:00:06,640 --> 00:00:11,520
legal enforceability Contracts 
that violate statutory laws are 

3
00:00:11,520 --> 00:00:15,280
considered void and provide no 
legal recourse for enforcement. 

4
00:00:16,360 --> 00:00:19,720
Courts will not assist in 
enforcing or upholding the terms

5
00:00:19,720 --> 00:00:23,320
of such agreements. 
Restitution. 

6
00:00:24,040 --> 00:00:28,120
In some cases, courts may order 
restitution to prevent unjust 

7
00:00:28,120 --> 00:00:31,600
enrichment. 
This means that any benefits 

8
00:00:31,600 --> 00:00:34,960
conferred under the void 
contract must be returned to the

9
00:00:34,960 --> 00:00:39,280
other party. 
Example, if an unlicensed 

10
00:00:39,280 --> 00:00:43,040
contractor performs construction
work, they may be required to 

11
00:00:43,040 --> 00:00:46,680
return any payments received 
even though the contract itself 

12
00:00:46,680 --> 00:00:51,080
is void. 
Public protection, consumer 

13
00:00:51,080 --> 00:00:55,600
safety, licensing requirements, 
and usury laws are designed to 

14
00:00:55,600 --> 00:00:58,960
protect consumers from 
unqualified professionals and 

15
00:00:58,960 --> 00:01:00,920
exploitative financial 
practices. 

16
00:01:02,120 --> 00:01:05,720
By declaring such contracts 
void, the law upholds public 

17
00:01:05,720 --> 00:01:10,320
safety and fairness. 
Maintaining legal integrity. 

18
00:01:10,880 --> 00:01:14,520
By voiding contracts involving 
illegal activities or those 

19
00:01:14,520 --> 00:01:18,320
contrary to public policy, the 
legal system maintains its 

20
00:01:18,320 --> 00:01:20,560
integrity and societal 
standards. 

21
00:01:21,800 --> 00:01:26,080
Example A contract for the sale 
of stolen goods is void, 

22
00:01:26,400 --> 00:01:29,920
reinforcing the legal principle 
that crime should not pay and 

23
00:01:29,920 --> 00:01:33,160
preventing the enforcement of 
agreements that promote illegal 

24
00:01:33,160 --> 00:01:36,600
conduct. 
Summary of contracts contrary to

25
00:01:36,600 --> 00:01:41,680
statute Contracts that violate 
statutory law are void and 

26
00:01:41,680 --> 00:01:44,600
unenforceable. 
These include agreements 

27
00:01:44,600 --> 00:01:48,120
involving illegal activities, 
those entered into without 

28
00:01:48,120 --> 00:01:51,840
required professional licenses, 
and contracts that charge 

29
00:01:51,840 --> 00:01:54,480
interest rates exceeding 
statutory limits. 

30
00:01:55,840 --> 00:01:59,720
Such contracts are void to 
uphold public policy, protect 

31
00:01:59,720 --> 00:02:03,320
consumers, and maintain the 
integrity of the legal system. 

32
00:02:04,400 --> 00:02:07,800
Understanding these principles 
helps ensure that contracts are 

33
00:02:07,800 --> 00:02:11,360
legally valid and protect 
individuals from entering into 

34
00:02:11,360 --> 00:02:14,280
agreements that could have 
harmful legal and social 

35
00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:17,840
consequences. 
Contracts contrary to public 

36
00:02:17,840 --> 00:02:20,880
policy. 
Contracts that, while not 

37
00:02:20,880 --> 00:02:25,000
explicitly illegal, are deemed 
contrary to public policy are 

38
00:02:25,000 --> 00:02:29,000
unenforceable. 
These contracts are void because

39
00:02:29,000 --> 00:02:32,760
they conflict with societal 
interests or violate fundamental

40
00:02:32,760 --> 00:02:34,920
principles of justice and 
fairness. 

41
00:02:36,040 --> 00:02:40,280
Public policy aims to protect 
societal norms and values, and 

42
00:02:40,280 --> 00:02:43,880
contracts that undermine these 
objectives are not supported by 

43
00:02:43,880 --> 00:02:49,400
the legal system. 
Key points One Restraint of 

44
00:02:49,400 --> 00:02:54,640
trade definition. 
Contracts that unreasonably 

45
00:02:54,640 --> 00:02:58,720
restrained trade or competition 
are considered void unless they 

46
00:02:58,720 --> 00:03:01,320
meet specific criteria of 
reasonableness. 

47
00:03:02,400 --> 00:03:05,760
Restraint of trade clauses are 
often found in non compete 

48
00:03:05,760 --> 00:03:09,440
agreements, which restrict an 
individual's ability to engage 

49
00:03:09,440 --> 00:03:12,240
in similar business or 
employment after leaving a 

50
00:03:12,240 --> 00:03:16,560
company. 
Reasonableness Criteria For a 

51
00:03:16,560 --> 00:03:19,560
non compete agreement to be 
enforceable, it must be 

52
00:03:19,560 --> 00:03:23,240
reasonable in scope, duration, 
and geographic area. 

53
00:03:24,480 --> 00:03:27,200
It should protect legitimate 
business interests without 

54
00:03:27,200 --> 00:03:30,120
excessively limiting the 
individual's ability to earn a 

55
00:03:30,120 --> 00:03:34,720
livelihood. 
Example a non compete clause 

56
00:03:34,720 --> 00:03:37,840
that prevents a former employee 
from working in their field 

57
00:03:37,880 --> 00:03:41,760
anywhere in the world for 10 
years is likely void as it 

58
00:03:41,760 --> 00:03:46,480
excessively restrains trade. 
In contrast, a clause that 

59
00:03:46,480 --> 00:03:49,360
restricts the employee from 
working within a specific 

60
00:03:49,360 --> 00:03:53,080
industry within a certain city 
for one year may be considered 

61
00:03:53,080 --> 00:03:58,120
reasonable and enforceable. 2 
Unconscionable Contracts 

62
00:03:59,280 --> 00:04:04,000
Definition Contracts that are 
grossly unfair or oppressive to 

63
00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:07,040
one party are deemed 
unconscionable and thus 

64
00:04:07,040 --> 00:04:10,920
unenforceable. 
Unconscionability occurs when 

65
00:04:10,920 --> 00:04:14,200
there is a significant power 
imbalance between the parties 

66
00:04:14,520 --> 00:04:17,880
leading to terms that are 
unjustly favorable to one side. 

67
00:04:19,279 --> 00:04:24,080
Assessment Courts assess both 
procedural unconscionability 

68
00:04:24,360 --> 00:04:27,960
unfairness in the process of 
making the contract and 

69
00:04:27,960 --> 00:04:31,720
substantive unconscionability 
unfairness in the terms of the 

70
00:04:31,720 --> 00:04:35,440
contract to determine if a 
contract is unconscionable. 

71
00:04:36,800 --> 00:04:41,080
Example, a contract where one 
party agrees to extremely 

72
00:04:41,080 --> 00:04:45,320
unfavorable terms due to 
significant power imbalances or 

73
00:04:45,320 --> 00:04:48,480
lack of understanding might be 
deemed unconscionable. 

74
00:04:49,720 --> 00:04:52,920
For instance, a payday loan 
agreement with exorbitant 

75
00:04:52,920 --> 00:04:56,400
interest rates and hidden fees 
that a financially desperate 

76
00:04:56,400 --> 00:04:59,400
borrower agrees to under 
pressure may be ruled 

77
00:04:59,400 --> 00:05:03,760
unconscionable. 3 Contracts 
interfering with family 

78
00:05:03,760 --> 00:05:09,360
relations Definition Contracts 
that interfere with family 

79
00:05:09,360 --> 00:05:13,000
relations are against public 
policy and are therefore 

80
00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:16,960
unenforceable. 
These contracts might encourage 

81
00:05:16,960 --> 00:05:21,080
divorce, disrupt parental 
rights, or otherwise intrude on 

82
00:05:21,080 --> 00:05:24,800
family dynamics in a way that 
conflicts with societal values. 

83
00:05:26,160 --> 00:05:30,560
Rationale Public policy supports
the stability and integrity of 

84
00:05:30,560 --> 00:05:34,080
family relationships, and 
contracts that disrupt these 

85
00:05:34,080 --> 00:05:36,680
relationships are not upheld by 
the courts. 

86
00:05:38,040 --> 00:05:42,640
Example, a contract that offers 
money in exchange for a promise 

87
00:05:42,640 --> 00:05:47,800
to divorce a spouse is void. 
Similarly, a contract that 

88
00:05:47,800 --> 00:05:50,840
requires one parent to 
relinquish custody rights in 

89
00:05:50,840 --> 00:05:54,800
exchange for financial benefits 
would be against public policy 

90
00:05:54,800 --> 00:05:58,360
and unenforceable. 
Illustration of contracts 

91
00:05:58,360 --> 00:06:03,880
contrary to public policy 
Scenario One restraint of trade.

92
00:06:04,600 --> 00:06:08,200
Emily signs a non compete 
agreement with her employer that

93
00:06:08,200 --> 00:06:11,600
prevents her from working in the
software industry anywhere in 

94
00:06:11,600 --> 00:06:14,640
the country for five years after
leaving the company. 

95
00:06:15,760 --> 00:06:18,840
This agreement is likely void 
because it imposes an 

96
00:06:18,840 --> 00:06:22,280
unreasonable restraint on her 
ability to find employment in 

97
00:06:22,280 --> 00:06:25,720
her field. 
A court would likely reduce the 

98
00:06:25,720 --> 00:06:29,040
scope of the restriction to make
it reasonable or declare it 

99
00:06:29,040 --> 00:06:32,960
unenforceable altogether. 
Scenario 2. 

100
00:06:33,280 --> 00:06:37,920
Unconscionable contracts. 
Jake, facing financial hardship,

101
00:06:38,240 --> 00:06:41,320
agrees to a loan with the 
lender, who imposes an interest 

102
00:06:41,320 --> 00:06:45,360
rate of 200% and includes a 
clause allowing the lender to 

103
00:06:45,360 --> 00:06:48,000
seize Jake's assets without due 
process. 

104
00:06:49,120 --> 00:06:52,480
This contract is likely 
unconscionable because the terms

105
00:06:52,480 --> 00:06:56,320
are excessively unfair and 
exploitative, taking advantage 

106
00:06:56,320 --> 00:07:00,680
of Jake's vulnerable situation. 
Scenario 3. 

107
00:07:00,960 --> 00:07:04,800
Interfering with family 
relations Maria offers John 

108
00:07:04,800 --> 00:07:08,720
$50,000 to divorce his wife so 
that she can pursue a 

109
00:07:08,720 --> 00:07:13,200
relationship with him. 
This contract is void because it

110
00:07:13,200 --> 00:07:16,560
encourages divorce and 
interferes with the sanctity of 

111
00:07:16,560 --> 00:07:19,200
marriage. 
Conflicting with public policy, 

112
00:07:20,240 --> 00:07:22,680
legal consequences and 
protections. 

113
00:07:23,600 --> 00:07:28,680
Void contracts. 
No Enforcement Contracts that 

114
00:07:28,680 --> 00:07:32,240
are contrary to public policy 
are void and unenforceable. 

115
00:07:33,640 --> 00:07:36,840
Courts will not enforce these 
agreements or provide remedies 

116
00:07:36,840 --> 00:07:41,120
for breach of contract 
preventing exploitation. 

117
00:07:41,640 --> 00:07:44,960
By declaring such contracts 
void, the law protects 

118
00:07:44,960 --> 00:07:48,720
individuals and society from 
agreements that could cause harm

119
00:07:48,720 --> 00:07:52,200
or injustice. 
Reformation or severability 

120
00:07:53,440 --> 00:07:57,400
reformation. 
In some cases, courts may modify

121
00:07:57,400 --> 00:08:01,080
the terms of an unreasonable 
contract to make it reasonable 

122
00:08:01,080 --> 00:08:04,920
and enforceable. 
This is common with non compete 

123
00:08:04,920 --> 00:08:08,240
agreements, where overly broad 
restrictions may be narrowed 

124
00:08:08,240 --> 00:08:11,280
down to what is necessary to 
protect legitimate business 

125
00:08:11,280 --> 00:08:14,400
interests. 
Severability. 

126
00:08:15,200 --> 00:08:18,720
If a contract contains both 
valid and invalid provisions, 

127
00:08:19,000 --> 00:08:22,200
courts may enforce the valid 
parts while severing and voiding

128
00:08:22,200 --> 00:08:24,960
the provisions that are contrary
to public policy. 

129
00:08:26,280 --> 00:08:30,560
Example, a non compete agreement
that restricts an employee from 

130
00:08:30,560 --> 00:08:34,679
working in a similar field for 
an excessively long duration may

131
00:08:34,679 --> 00:08:37,559
be reformed by the court to 
limit the restriction to a 

132
00:08:37,559 --> 00:08:40,200
reasonable duration and 
geographic scope. 

133
00:08:41,400 --> 00:08:46,320
Public policy considerations 
Upholding societal values. 

134
00:08:46,840 --> 00:08:51,320
By voiding contracts contrary to
public policy, the legal system 

135
00:08:51,320 --> 00:08:54,040
reinforces societal values and 
norms. 

136
00:08:55,040 --> 00:08:58,320
This ensures that agreements do 
not undermine fundamental 

137
00:08:58,320 --> 00:09:01,800
principles of fairness, justice,
and public welfare. 

138
00:09:03,040 --> 00:09:07,040
Balancing interests Courts 
strive to balance the interests 

139
00:09:07,040 --> 00:09:10,120
of protecting legitimate 
business and individual rights 

140
00:09:10,400 --> 00:09:13,840
while preventing exploitation 
and preserving public policy. 

141
00:09:14,920 --> 00:09:19,760
Summary of contracts contrary to
public policy Contracts that 

142
00:09:19,760 --> 00:09:24,000
conflict with public policy are 
void and unenforceable, even if 

143
00:09:24,000 --> 00:09:28,480
they are not explicitly illegal.
This includes agreements that 

144
00:09:28,480 --> 00:09:32,920
unreasonably restrained trade, 
are unconscionable, or interfere

145
00:09:32,920 --> 00:09:37,400
with family relations. 
The legal system aims to protect

146
00:09:37,400 --> 00:09:41,800
societal interests, fairness, 
and justice by voiding such 

147
00:09:41,800 --> 00:09:45,440
contracts and ensuring that 
agreements uphold public policy 

148
00:09:45,440 --> 00:09:49,200
principles. 
Understanding these principles 

149
00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:52,440
helps individuals and businesses
avoid entering into 

150
00:09:52,440 --> 00:09:56,160
unenforceable agreements and 
promotes the creation of Fair 

151
00:09:56,160 --> 00:09:59,800
and just contracts. 
Unconscionable Contracts 

152
00:10:00,960 --> 00:10:04,560
Unconscionable contracts are 
those that are so unjust or 

153
00:10:04,560 --> 00:10:08,400
overwhelmingly 1 sided in favor 
of the party with superior 

154
00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:11,840
bargaining power that they are 
contrary to good conscience. 

155
00:10:13,120 --> 00:10:17,240
Courts may refuse to enforce 
such contracts or specific terms

156
00:10:17,240 --> 00:10:21,280
within them to prevent unfair 
exploitation and protect parties

157
00:10:21,280 --> 00:10:26,160
from abusive practices. 
The concept of unconscionability

158
00:10:26,160 --> 00:10:29,720
ensures fairness and equity and 
contractual dealings. 

159
00:10:30,760 --> 00:10:38,000
Key Points One Procedural 
unconscionability Definition 

160
00:10:38,680 --> 00:10:42,120
Procedural unconscionability 
focuses on the process of 

161
00:10:42,120 --> 00:10:45,800
contract formation. 
It occurs when there is 

162
00:10:45,800 --> 00:10:49,520
significant inequality in the 
bargaining process, often 

163
00:10:49,520 --> 00:10:53,040
involving lack of knowledge, 
understanding, or voluntary 

164
00:10:53,040 --> 00:10:57,800
assent by one of the parties. 
This type of unconscionability 

165
00:10:57,800 --> 00:11:01,800
examines how the contract was 
negotiated and the circumstances

166
00:11:01,800 --> 00:11:06,880
surrounding its creation. 
Indicators Indicators of 

167
00:11:06,880 --> 00:11:10,400
procedural unconscionability 
include high pressure sales 

168
00:11:10,400 --> 00:11:13,840
tactics, complex and 
incomprehensible language, 

169
00:11:14,320 --> 00:11:17,800
hidden terms in fine print, and 
significant disparities in 

170
00:11:17,800 --> 00:11:19,760
bargaining power between the 
parties. 

171
00:11:21,080 --> 00:11:25,240
Example a contract with hidden 
terms in fine print that a 

172
00:11:25,240 --> 00:11:28,400
consumer could not reasonably be
expected to notice. 

173
00:11:29,600 --> 00:11:33,280
If a consumer signs a lengthy 
and complicated contract without

174
00:11:33,280 --> 00:11:36,720
being made aware of crucial 
clauses buried in fine print, 

175
00:11:37,000 --> 00:11:42,560
this might constitute procedural
unconscionability. 2 Substantive

176
00:11:42,560 --> 00:11:48,560
Unconscionability Definition 
Substantive unconscionability 

177
00:11:48,560 --> 00:11:52,160
concerns the actual terms of the
contract and whether they are 

178
00:11:52,160 --> 00:11:56,520
overly harsh, 1 sided, or 
unfairly favorable to one party.

179
00:11:57,720 --> 00:12:00,880
It focuses on the content of the
agreement rather than the 

180
00:12:00,880 --> 00:12:05,120
circumstances of its formation. 
Indicators. 

181
00:12:05,840 --> 00:12:09,160
Indicators of substantive 
unconscionability include 

182
00:12:09,160 --> 00:12:13,800
exorbitant prices, oppressive or
one sided terms, lack of 

183
00:12:13,800 --> 00:12:17,320
mutuality, and obligations and 
provisions that shock the 

184
00:12:17,320 --> 00:12:22,080
conscience. 
Example, a contract requiring 

185
00:12:22,080 --> 00:12:25,320
one party to pay an exorbitant 
price for a service that 

186
00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:27,680
provides little to no benefit in
return. 

187
00:12:28,880 --> 00:12:33,080
For instance, a loan agreement 
with an interest rate of 200% 

188
00:12:33,400 --> 00:12:36,600
and severe penalties for late 
payments where the borrower 

189
00:12:36,600 --> 00:12:39,400
receives minimal benefit 
compared to the oppressive 

190
00:12:39,400 --> 00:12:42,840
obligations may be substantively
unconscionable. 

191
00:12:43,320 --> 00:12:46,720
Three remedies for 
unconscionable contracts. 

192
00:12:47,760 --> 00:12:51,760
Refusal to enforce. 
Courts can refuse to enforce the

193
00:12:51,760 --> 00:12:56,080
entire contract if it is deemed 
unconscionable, thereby voiding 

194
00:12:56,080 --> 00:12:59,400
the agreement and relieving the 
disadvantaged party from any 

195
00:12:59,400 --> 00:13:03,680
obligations under it. 
Severance of terms. 

196
00:13:04,280 --> 00:13:07,960
Courts may strike down specific 
unconscionable terms while 

197
00:13:07,960 --> 00:13:10,560
allowing the remainder of the 
contract to stand. 

198
00:13:11,800 --> 00:13:15,480
This approach targets the unfair
clauses without nullifying the 

199
00:13:15,480 --> 00:13:20,680
entire agreement. 
Reformation Courts can reform 

200
00:13:20,680 --> 00:13:24,240
the contract to make it fairer 
by modifying the unconscionable 

201
00:13:24,240 --> 00:13:27,400
terms to ensure equity and 
balance between the parties. 

202
00:13:28,720 --> 00:13:33,120
Example, A court might refuse to
enforce a clause that imposes 

203
00:13:33,120 --> 00:13:36,800
excessive penalties for minor 
breaches while allowing the rest

204
00:13:36,800 --> 00:13:41,160
of the contract to stand. 
If a contract includes a term 

205
00:13:41,160 --> 00:13:45,640
that penalizes a party $10,000 
for being one day late on a 

206
00:13:45,640 --> 00:13:49,280
payment, the court may strike 
down this penalty clause but 

207
00:13:49,280 --> 00:13:50,960
enforce the rest of the 
agreement. 

208
00:13:52,160 --> 00:13:57,040
Illustration of unconscionable 
contracts Scenario one. 

209
00:13:57,360 --> 00:14:01,600
Procedural unconscionability A 
consumer agrees to a door to 

210
00:14:01,600 --> 00:14:04,960
door salespersons offer for a 
home security system. 

211
00:14:06,080 --> 00:14:09,360
The salesperson pressures the 
consumer to sign immediately 

212
00:14:09,440 --> 00:14:12,760
without providing an opportunity
to read or understand the 

213
00:14:12,760 --> 00:14:16,960
lengthy contract. 
The contract includes terms that

214
00:14:16,960 --> 00:14:19,880
are significantly 
disadvantageous to the consumer,

215
00:14:20,280 --> 00:14:23,560
such as automatic renewal 
clauses with steep cancellation 

216
00:14:23,560 --> 00:14:28,320
fees hidden in fine print. 
This situation exemplifies 

217
00:14:28,320 --> 00:14:31,960
procedural unconscionability due
to the high pressure sales 

218
00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:35,960
tactics and hidden terms. 
Scenario two. 

219
00:14:36,280 --> 00:14:40,720
Substantive unconscionability An
elderly person enters into a 

220
00:14:40,720 --> 00:14:43,960
payday loan agreement with a 
lender who charges an interest 

221
00:14:43,960 --> 00:14:47,960
rate of 300% and includes a 
clause allowing the lender to 

222
00:14:47,960 --> 00:14:53,840
garnish wages without notice. 
The loan amount is $500.00, but 

223
00:14:53,840 --> 00:14:59,080
the total repayment, including 
fees and interest, is $2500 

224
00:14:59,080 --> 00:15:03,360
within six months. 
This contract is substantively 

225
00:15:03,360 --> 00:15:06,680
unconscionable due to the 
exorbitant interest rate and 

226
00:15:06,680 --> 00:15:09,880
harsh repayment terms that 
exploit the borrower's financial

227
00:15:09,880 --> 00:15:14,080
vulnerability, Legal 
consequences and protections. 

228
00:15:14,960 --> 00:15:19,400
Preventing exploitation, 
fairness, and contracting. 

229
00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:23,080
The doctrine of 
unconscionability ensures that 

230
00:15:23,080 --> 00:15:26,680
contracts are fair and just, 
protecting parties from 

231
00:15:26,680 --> 00:15:31,280
exploitation and abuse. 
It promotes ethical standards 

232
00:15:31,280 --> 00:15:35,200
and contractual dealings by 
scrutinizing both the process of

233
00:15:35,200 --> 00:15:38,360
contract formation and the 
substantive terms. 

234
00:15:39,640 --> 00:15:43,920
Equity courts aim to achieve 
equity by addressing power 

235
00:15:43,920 --> 00:15:48,400
imbalances and unfair terms, 
ensuring that contracts reflect 

236
00:15:48,400 --> 00:15:52,000
a fair bargain between parties 
of relatively equal standing. 

237
00:15:52,720 --> 00:15:57,400
Judicial intervention. 
Assessing unconscionability 

238
00:15:58,120 --> 00:16:01,760
Courts assess unconscionability 
by examining the circumstances 

239
00:16:01,760 --> 00:16:05,040
surrounding the contract's 
formation and its terms. 

240
00:16:06,120 --> 00:16:09,600
This involves a factual inquiry 
into the relative bargaining 

241
00:16:09,600 --> 00:16:13,760
power of the parties, the 
presence of unfair surprise, and

242
00:16:13,760 --> 00:16:16,480
the substantive fairness of the 
contract terms. 

243
00:16:17,760 --> 00:16:21,800
Balancing interests Judicial 
intervention seeks to balance 

244
00:16:21,800 --> 00:16:25,240
the interests of protecting 
weaker parties and upholding the

245
00:16:25,240 --> 00:16:27,040
principle of freedom of 
contract. 

246
00:16:28,280 --> 00:16:32,160
Courts do not lightly interfere 
with private agreements but will

247
00:16:32,160 --> 00:16:34,560
act to prevent manifest 
injustice. 

248
00:16:35,560 --> 00:16:39,960
Summary of Unconscionable 
contracts Unconscionable 

249
00:16:39,960 --> 00:16:44,560
contracts are those that are so 
unjust or overwhelmingly 1 sided

250
00:16:44,760 --> 00:16:46,960
that they are contrary to good 
conscience. 

251
00:16:47,960 --> 00:16:51,600
Procedural unconscionability 
focuses on unfairness in the 

252
00:16:51,600 --> 00:16:54,840
contract formation process, 
while substantive 

253
00:16:54,840 --> 00:16:58,840
unconscionability addresses the 
unfairness of the contract terms

254
00:16:58,840 --> 00:17:02,440
themselves. 
Courts may refuse to enforce 

255
00:17:02,480 --> 00:17:07,480
unconscionable contracts, strike
down specific terms, or reform 

256
00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:11,880
the contract to ensure fairness.
This doctrine protects 

257
00:17:11,880 --> 00:17:15,560
individuals from exploitation 
and abuse, ensuring that 

258
00:17:15,560 --> 00:17:17,800
contracts are equitable and 
just. 

259
00:17:19,079 --> 00:17:22,359
Understanding these principles 
helps parties recognize and 

260
00:17:22,359 --> 00:17:25,920
avoid unfair agreements 
promoting ethical and fair 

261
00:17:25,920 --> 00:17:30,800
contractual practices. 
Practical Examples Practical 

262
00:17:30,800 --> 00:17:34,280
examples help illustrate the 
application of legal principles 

263
00:17:34,280 --> 00:17:38,160
related to contract law, 
particularly concerning capacity

264
00:17:38,160 --> 00:17:41,080
issues, illegality, and 
unconscionability. 

265
00:17:42,320 --> 00:17:45,920
Here are detailed explanations 
of three scenarios that 

266
00:17:45,920 --> 00:17:51,360
highlight these concepts. 
Example One Capacity issues with

267
00:17:51,360 --> 00:17:57,360
minors scenario a 16 year old 
signs a contract to purchase a 

268
00:17:57,360 --> 00:18:01,960
smartphone on an installment 
plan after using the phone for a

269
00:18:01,960 --> 00:18:05,880
month, the minor decides they 
cannot afford the payments and 

270
00:18:05,880 --> 00:18:11,560
seeks to disaffirm the contract.
Analysis Capacity of Minors 

271
00:18:12,760 --> 00:18:16,840
Legal principle Minors, 
typically individuals under the 

272
00:18:16,840 --> 00:18:21,040
age of 18, generally lack the 
capacity to enter into binding 

273
00:18:21,040 --> 00:18:25,160
contracts. 
Contracts entered into by minors

274
00:18:25,160 --> 00:18:28,800
are usually voidable at the 
minors discretion, meaning the 

275
00:18:28,800 --> 00:18:31,960
miner can choose to honor or 
disaffirm the contract. 

276
00:18:33,320 --> 00:18:37,760
Right to disaffirm The miner has
the legal right to disaffirm the

277
00:18:37,760 --> 00:18:41,720
contract at any time before 
reaching the age of majority or 

278
00:18:41,720 --> 00:18:43,720
within a reasonable time 
thereafter. 

279
00:18:45,000 --> 00:18:48,800
To disaffirm the contract, the 
miner must return the smartphone

280
00:18:48,800 --> 00:18:52,800
to the retailer. 
Restitution and wear and tear. 

281
00:18:53,840 --> 00:18:58,840
Restitution Upon disaffirmation,
the miner must return the 

282
00:18:58,840 --> 00:19:03,040
smartphone to the retailer. 
The retailer must accept the 

283
00:19:03,040 --> 00:19:05,880
return and cancel any remaining 
payments. 

284
00:19:07,200 --> 00:19:11,200
Deduction for wear and tear 
While the miner can disaffirm 

285
00:19:11,200 --> 00:19:14,760
the contract, the retailer is 
entitled to deduct a reasonable 

286
00:19:14,760 --> 00:19:17,120
amount for wear and tear on the 
smartphone. 

287
00:19:18,440 --> 00:19:22,640
Conclusion The retailer must 
accept the return of the phone 

288
00:19:22,640 --> 00:19:24,640
and cancel the remaining 
payments. 

289
00:19:25,720 --> 00:19:28,840
They can deduct an amount 
reflecting the depreciation or 

290
00:19:28,840 --> 00:19:31,760
wear and tear of the phone 
during the month it was used. 

291
00:19:32,240 --> 00:19:37,280
Illustration Restitution 
Calculation If the smartphone 

292
00:19:37,280 --> 00:19:42,320
was valued at $500 and it's used
for one month calls $50.00 worth

293
00:19:42,320 --> 00:19:46,480
of wear and tear, the retailer 
can deduct $50 from the amount 

294
00:19:46,480 --> 00:19:52,040
to be refunded to the minor. 
Example Two void contracts due 

295
00:19:52,040 --> 00:19:58,080
to illegality Scenario Two 
businesses enter into a contract

296
00:19:58,240 --> 00:20:01,880
where one agrees to smuggle 
contraband across state lines. 

297
00:20:02,960 --> 00:20:06,560
Since the agreement involves 
illegal activity, the contract 

298
00:20:06,560 --> 00:20:11,760
is void and unenforceable. 
Analysis Illegality of the 

299
00:20:11,760 --> 00:20:16,600
contract Legal principle. 
Contracts that involve illegal 

300
00:20:16,600 --> 00:20:20,520
activities are void. 
They are unenforceable because 

301
00:20:20,520 --> 00:20:23,680
they violate statutory law and 
public policy. 

302
00:20:24,960 --> 00:20:28,360
No legal remedies. 
Because the contract involves 

303
00:20:28,360 --> 00:20:32,720
smuggling contraband and illegal
activity, neither party can seek

304
00:20:32,720 --> 00:20:35,080
legal remedies for breach of 
this contract. 

305
00:20:35,960 --> 00:20:38,320
Consequences. 
Avoid contracts. 

306
00:20:39,600 --> 00:20:43,240
Lack of enforceability. 
Neither business can enforce the

307
00:20:43,240 --> 00:20:48,360
contract terms or claim damages 
for non performance public 

308
00:20:48,360 --> 00:20:52,280
policy consideration. 
The law refuses to support or 

309
00:20:52,280 --> 00:20:56,480
uphold agreements that involve 
illegal acts as doing so would 

310
00:20:56,480 --> 00:20:59,600
undermine the legal system and 
societal standards. 

311
00:21:00,040 --> 00:21:04,080
Conclusion The contract is void 
and unenforceable. 

312
00:21:04,840 --> 00:21:07,880
Neither business can seek legal 
remedies for breach of this 

313
00:21:07,880 --> 00:21:11,600
contract as the agreement 
involves illegal activities. 

314
00:21:12,400 --> 00:21:17,200
Illustration Example. 
If business agrees to pay 

315
00:21:17,200 --> 00:21:21,840
business B $10,000 to smuggle 
goods and business B fails to 

316
00:21:21,840 --> 00:21:25,480
deliver, business cannot sue 
business B for breach of 

317
00:21:25,480 --> 00:21:28,920
contract. 
The courts will not enforce an 

318
00:21:28,920 --> 00:21:31,480
agreement based on illegal 
activities. 

319
00:21:32,440 --> 00:21:38,040
Example Three Public policy and 
unconscionability scenario. 

320
00:21:38,840 --> 00:21:42,160
A low income tenant agrees to a 
lease with a landlord that 

321
00:21:42,160 --> 00:21:45,600
includes a clause requiring the 
tenant to pay 10 times the 

322
00:21:45,600 --> 00:21:48,000
normal rent. 
If they breach any term of the 

323
00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:52,560
lease, The court finds this 
penalty clause unconscionable 

324
00:21:52,840 --> 00:21:56,240
and voids that specific term 
while the rest of the lease 

325
00:21:56,240 --> 00:22:02,080
remains enforceable. 
Analysis Unconscionability Legal

326
00:22:02,080 --> 00:22:05,800
principle Unconscionable 
contracts are those that are so 

327
00:22:05,800 --> 00:22:09,840
unfair or one sided that they 
are contrary to good conscience.

328
00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:15,080
Courts may refuse to enforce 
such contracts or specific terms

329
00:22:15,080 --> 00:22:18,720
within them. 
Procedural and substantive 

330
00:22:18,720 --> 00:22:22,320
unconscionability. 
This scenario likely involves 

331
00:22:22,320 --> 00:22:25,520
both procedural 
unconscionability, significant 

332
00:22:25,520 --> 00:22:29,200
power imbalance and lack of 
negotiation, and substantive 

333
00:22:29,200 --> 00:22:32,320
unconscionability. 
Exorbitant penalty clause 

334
00:22:33,400 --> 00:22:38,200
remedies for unconscionability. 
Severance of unconscionable 

335
00:22:38,200 --> 00:22:40,680
terms. 
The court can sever the 

336
00:22:40,680 --> 00:22:44,120
unconscionable term from the 
lease agreement, making that 

337
00:22:44,120 --> 00:22:47,640
specific clause unenforceable 
while upholding the rest of the 

338
00:22:47,640 --> 00:22:52,960
lease reformation. 
Alternatively, the court could 

339
00:22:52,960 --> 00:22:56,280
reform the contract to make the 
penalty clause reasonable, 

340
00:22:56,560 --> 00:22:59,200
though severance is more common 
in such cases. 

341
00:23:00,440 --> 00:23:04,680
Conclusion The court finds the 
penalty clause unconscionable 

342
00:23:04,920 --> 00:23:08,880
and voids that specific term, 
ensuring that the tenant is not 

343
00:23:08,880 --> 00:23:11,560
subjected to an excessively 
harsh penalty. 

344
00:23:12,840 --> 00:23:16,520
The rest of the lease remains 
enforceable, allowing the tenant

345
00:23:16,520 --> 00:23:20,000
and landlord to continue their 
contractual relationship under 

346
00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:24,680
fair terms. 
Illustration Example If the 

347
00:23:24,680 --> 00:23:29,120
normal rent is $500 per month, 
the clause requiring the tenant 

348
00:23:29,120 --> 00:23:34,200
to pay $5000 for any breach, for
example, a late payment, is 

349
00:23:34,200 --> 00:23:37,800
unconscionable. 
The court voids this penalty 

350
00:23:37,800 --> 00:23:41,720
clause but enforces the rest of 
the lease, allowing the landlord

351
00:23:41,720 --> 00:23:44,880
to still collect regular rent 
and reasonable penalties. 

352
00:23:45,840 --> 00:23:50,520
Summary of Practical Examples 
These practical examples 

353
00:23:50,520 --> 00:23:54,920
illustrate how legal principles 
related to capacity, illegality 

354
00:23:55,080 --> 00:23:59,240
and unconscionability are 
applied to real world scenarios.

355
00:24:00,640 --> 00:24:05,280
Capacity issues with minors 
Minors can disaffirm Contracts 

356
00:24:05,520 --> 00:24:08,840
requiring restitution of goods 
and adjustment for wear and 

357
00:24:08,840 --> 00:24:12,760
tear. 
Void contracts due to illegality

358
00:24:13,560 --> 00:24:16,920
Contracts involving illegal 
activities are void and 

359
00:24:16,920 --> 00:24:20,400
unenforceable, providing no 
legal remedies for the parties 

360
00:24:20,400 --> 00:24:23,560
involved. 
Public policy and 

361
00:24:23,560 --> 00:24:26,560
unconscionability. 
Unconscionable terms and 

362
00:24:26,560 --> 00:24:30,720
contracts are voided to prevent 
unjust outcomes, while the rest 

363
00:24:30,720 --> 00:24:32,840
of the contract may remain 
enforceable. 

364
00:24:34,200 --> 00:24:37,200
Understanding these examples 
helps in recognizing the 

365
00:24:37,200 --> 00:24:41,280
application of contract law 
principles and ensuring fair and

366
00:24:41,280 --> 00:24:45,240
legally sound agreements. 
Summary of Chapter 3. 

367
00:24:46,160 --> 00:24:51,640
Chapter 3. 
Capacity and Legality Capacity 

368
00:24:51,640 --> 00:24:55,320
and legality are fundamental 
principles ensuring that parties

369
00:24:55,320 --> 00:24:58,720
entering into contracts are 
capable of understanding and 

370
00:24:58,720 --> 00:25:00,600
adhering to the agreements they 
make. 

371
00:25:01,920 --> 00:25:05,040
This chapter delves into the 
specifics of who has the 

372
00:25:05,040 --> 00:25:08,920
capacity to contract and what 
makes a contract legal or 

373
00:25:08,920 --> 00:25:16,200
illegal. 3.1 Capacity to 
contract Capacity refers to a 

374
00:25:16,200 --> 00:25:19,840
party's legal ability to enter 
into a binding contract. 

375
00:25:20,880 --> 00:25:24,120
Certain groups are recognized as
having limited capacity, 

376
00:25:24,120 --> 00:25:30,400
including minors, typically 
defined as individuals under 18.

377
00:25:30,840 --> 00:25:33,880
Minors can void contracts at 
their discretion. 

378
00:25:34,920 --> 00:25:38,120
They have the right to disaffirm
contracts before reaching the 

379
00:25:38,120 --> 00:25:41,560
age of majority or within a 
reasonable time after. 

380
00:25:42,160 --> 00:25:45,520
Exceptions include contracts for
necessities which are 

381
00:25:45,520 --> 00:25:49,640
enforceable. 
Example, a 16 year old 

382
00:25:49,640 --> 00:25:53,080
purchasing a smartphone on an 
installment plan can return the 

383
00:25:53,080 --> 00:25:56,720
phone and cancel the payments, 
subject to reasonable wear and 

384
00:25:56,720 --> 00:26:00,560
tear deductions. 
Mental incapacity. 

385
00:26:01,080 --> 00:26:04,520
Individuals lacking mental 
capacity due to mental illness 

386
00:26:04,520 --> 00:26:08,280
or cognitive impairments can 
void contracts if they did not 

387
00:26:08,280 --> 00:26:11,360
understand the nature and 
consequences of the agreement. 

388
00:26:12,680 --> 00:26:16,480
Contracts for necessities are 
enforceable to ensure access to 

389
00:26:16,480 --> 00:26:20,400
essential goods and services. 
Example. 

390
00:26:21,080 --> 00:26:25,000
A person with dementia entering 
a contract may have it voided by

391
00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:28,160
a legal guardian if it is shown 
they did not comprehend the 

392
00:26:28,160 --> 00:26:32,840
agreement. 
Intoxication contracts made 

393
00:26:32,840 --> 00:26:37,160
under severe intoxication can be
voided if the intoxicated person

394
00:26:37,160 --> 00:26:40,160
proves they were incapable of 
understanding the contract. 

395
00:26:41,360 --> 00:26:44,920
Upon sobering up, they must act 
promptly to disaffirm the 

396
00:26:44,920 --> 00:26:49,960
contract. 
Example a heavily intoxicated 

397
00:26:49,960 --> 00:26:53,840
person signing a contract at a 
party can void it the next day 

398
00:26:53,840 --> 00:26:56,600
if they can demonstrate their 
inability to understand the 

399
00:26:56,600 --> 00:27:03,720
terms due to intoxication. 3.2 
Legality of contracts For a 

400
00:27:03,720 --> 00:27:07,320
contract to be enforceable, it 
must have a legal purpose and 

401
00:27:07,320 --> 00:27:09,560
comply with statutory 
requirements. 

402
00:27:10,960 --> 00:27:15,400
Contracts contrary to statute. 
These are void if they involve 

403
00:27:15,400 --> 00:27:18,920
illegal activities or fail to 
meet legal requirements. 

404
00:27:19,040 --> 00:27:24,880
Examples Illegal activities A 
contract to smuggle contraband 

405
00:27:24,880 --> 00:27:27,560
is void as it involves illegal 
acts. 

406
00:27:28,760 --> 00:27:32,200
Licensing requirements. 
A contract for professional 

407
00:27:32,200 --> 00:27:36,200
services by an unlicensed 
individual in a regulated field 

408
00:27:36,360 --> 00:27:38,720
may be void to protect public 
welfare. 

409
00:27:40,000 --> 00:27:44,040
Usury laws Loan agreements 
charging interest rates above 

410
00:27:44,040 --> 00:27:47,360
statutory limits are 
unenforceable or subject to 

411
00:27:47,360 --> 00:27:51,280
reformation. 
Contracts Contrary to public 

412
00:27:51,280 --> 00:27:54,600
policy. 
These contracts are void if they

413
00:27:54,600 --> 00:27:58,560
harm societal interests or 
violate principles of justice. 

414
00:27:59,040 --> 00:28:04,440
Examples Restraint of trade Non 
compete agreements that 

415
00:28:04,440 --> 00:28:08,320
unreasonably limit trade may be 
void unless they are reasonable 

416
00:28:08,320 --> 00:28:13,960
in scope and duration. 
Unconscionable contracts Grossly

417
00:28:13,960 --> 00:28:18,200
unfair or one sided contracts 
can be voided or reformed by 

418
00:28:18,200 --> 00:28:21,480
courts. 
Interference with family 

419
00:28:21,480 --> 00:28:26,000
relations Contracts that disrupt
family dynamics, like those 

420
00:28:26,000 --> 00:28:32,480
encouraging divorce, are void. 
Summary Chapter 3 emphasizes the

421
00:28:32,480 --> 00:28:35,960
importance of capacity and 
legality in contract law, 

422
00:28:36,480 --> 00:28:39,520
ensuring that agreements are 
made by parties with the ability

423
00:28:39,520 --> 00:28:42,440
to understand them and for 
lawful purposes. 

424
00:28:43,560 --> 00:28:47,600
This ensures fairness, protects 
vulnerable parties and upholds 

425
00:28:47,600 --> 00:28:48,600
public policy.
